Prior to their match at home against Wolves, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has provided an important update on striker Jhon Duran himself.
One of the few attackers in international football, Jhon Duran, may be able to score three goals off the bench and yet not be selected for the starting lineup.
The Aston Villa striker is in that situation as he competes with Ollie Watkins for a spot in the starting lineup.
It’s getting harder for Duran to get through because Watkins is one of the world’s most gifted forwards, having contributed 41 goals the previous season.
With his goals in 2024–25, Duran has so far given Villa four points. Unai Emery has since provided an important update on the 20-year-old. Duran came off the bench in victories over West Ham, Leicester City, and Everton.
For Aston Villa, Jhon Duran is “close” to starting.
Duran is in an unusual situation because typically, goals from the bench would earn a spot in the starting lineup.
But the strong Colombian is forced to settle for a bench seat because Watkins is clearly superior to him in the hierarchy.
With 34 minutes per goal in the top division, Duran is putting in every effort to secure a starting spot; no other striker in the world can match his “special” level of play.
Fortunately, Emery revealed that the forward is “close” to starting right away and that he may potentially create a lethal duo with Watkins.
Jhon Duran will start against the Wolves?
Whether Duran starts versus Wolves will be the main concern on everyone’s mind.
Emery stated Watkins is one of the first names on the team sheet and is eligible for selection, so it appears doubtful at this time.
However, Emery’s remarks do give hope that the former striker for Colombus Crew may eventually start in just his fourth Premier League game.
But for the time being, Duran has been used well as a super sub, replacing Watkins late in games and always having an impact.
Duran doesn’t let being benched stop him from scoring, as evidenced by his most recent game-winning strike against Everton. On Saturday, he will be looking to defeat Wolves with his fourth goal of the year.
